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The programmes: IGCSE and IB
What is the high school pathway?
In seconde (Grade 10), students follow the Cambridge curriculum and take the IGCSE at the end of the year. In première and terminale (Grades 11-12), they follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, with final examinations in May of terminale.
What is the IGCSE?
An international qualification from Cambridge University, recognised worldwide. In seconde, students take International Mathematics, English Literature, English First Language, Global Perspectives, History and Spanish (as a first or second language), as well as French. Biology, arts and sport complete the programme. The IGCSE prepares students for the working methods of the IB: analysis, argumentation and independent work.
What is the IB Diploma?
A two-year programme recognised by universities worldwide. Students choose six subjects, one from each subject group, including at least three at higher level. They also complete the core: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (a personal research project) and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service). Assessment combines coursework marked during the programme and final examinations, taken at Ellipse in May of the second year.
Is Ellipse an official IB World School?
Yes. Ellipse has been authorised by the International Baccalaureate Organization since 2025 to offer the Diploma Programme.
Which subjects can be chosen in the IB?
Six subjects, one from each of the six groups:
Language and literature: French A, English A
Language acquisition: French B, English B
Individuals and societies: Business Management (Pamoja), Economics, History, Digital Society, Global Politics
Sciences: Biology (taught in French), Chemistry, Computer Science
Mathematics: Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches
Arts: Visual Arts
Subject combinations are built with the team, in line with IB rules.
Does my child also take the French baccalauréat?
No, students take the IB Diploma, which replaces the French baccalauréat. It gives access to higher education in France (through Parcoursup) as well as abroad.
Languages
What level of English is required to join the high school?
A minimum B2 level is required; a C1 level is preferable.
In which language are classes taught?
Mainly in English. Ellipse offers the bilingual IB: students can take both English A and French A. Some subjects can also be taken in French or in English, to prepare those who wish for an advanced bilingual diploma.
Can students learn a third language?
Yes. The high school offers Spanish and can offer other languages on request.
High school life
What are the school hours?
Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Wednesday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
How are high school students supported?
Each student is followed individually, in continuity with our educational approach from ages 2 to 18: autonomy, mutual support, work in small groups. The programmes are coordinated by our IGCSE and IB academic coordinator.
How is university guidance organised?
Guidance coaching starts in troisième (Grade 9) and continues until terminale. It guides each student in building their plans and applications, for higher education in France or abroad.
What is CAS?
Part of the IB programme: throughout première and terminale, each student takes part in creative, physical and service activities. For example: humanitarian projects, first aid training, helping at school on a specific topic, taking part in sports competitions…
How does lunch work?
Meals are prepared by a 100% organic caterer; a lunch box is possible with a medical certificate. In high school, students may also go out on their own at lunchtime, with their parents’ permission.
Admissions and next steps
My child did not attend Ellipse middle school: can they join in seconde?
Yes. Students from other middle schools, in France or abroad, are welcome. An assessment helps define any support needed in English or study skills.
Can students join directly in première?
Yes, with the same level of English as for entry into seconde: B2 minimum, preferably C1.
How does the admissions process work?
Pre-enrolment by email (infos@ellipsema.com), questionnaire, educational meeting with the parents and school visit, followed by two days of immersion for the student, with short academic assessments.
What further studies are students preparing for?
Our first students will take the IB Diploma in 2027. They are preparing for university studies in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Canada.
What are the fees?
Tuition, application and examination fees are detailed on the Fees and admissions page. You can also contact us to arrange a visit.
To find out more, discover the seconde IGCSE class and the première and terminale IB classes.
Any other questions? Contact us or request a visit.